The first major of the year has arrived and the 2025 Masters is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. With a mix of in-form players, past Augusta winners and young guns, the field is full of storylines. Here’s how the big names are looking at this year’s Green Jacket chase.
Scottie Scheffler: The Man to Beat
Scottie Scheffler is the world No. 1 and favourite to win — and for good reason. He had a spectacular 2024 season and has shown a knack for rising to the occasion on golf’s biggest stages.
Scheffler’s ball striking has been elite all through, leading the PGA TOUR in strokes gained: tee-to-green. His putting has been inconsistent in the past but has improved recently and he’s almost unbeatable. He’s a two-time Masters champion and another Green Jacket would cement his legacy at Augusta.
But there’s an underlying concern — Scheffler suffered a puncture wound in his hand on Christmas Day, which required surgery shortly thereafter. Though reports say he is good to go for Augusta, any lingering discomfort could be an issue.
Rory McIlroy: Still Chasing the Slam
Rory McIlroy is one of the most interesting stories in golf — the four-time major winner is still chasing the career Grand Slam and Augusta is the only one missing. In 2025 he arrives in good form having won at Pebble Beach and THE PLAYERS, the latter being a good indicator of his game being in gear at the right time.
McIlroy’s Augusta record is both good and bad. He’s had multiple top 10s and was close in 2022 with a final round 64 that put him into second. But the pressure of completing the Grand Slam gets bigger each year.
Physically he looks good but there’s some concern about a nagging elbow issue that’s flared up a few times. Mentally it remains to be seen if he can manage the expectation and play four solid rounds.
Jon Rahm: The LIV Factor
Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, has a lot to prove. Since joining LIV Golf he’s been out of the weekly PGA TOUR spotlight and it’s hard to gauge his form against the best. But he’s one of the most talented players in the world and his win two years ago showed he’s comfortable with Augusta National.
Rahm’s iron play and short game make him a perennial contender here, but will limited reps in big events hold him back this week? If he gets in a groove early in the tournament he could easily be in the mix on Sunday.
Collin Morikawa: Knock, Knock
Collin Morikawa has been knocking on the door at Augusta. He was top 10 in 2023 and 2024 and showed his elite ball striking and precision which is key around Augusta’s slick greens and undulating fairways.
In 2025, he’s had a solid season but no win yet. Can he close out a big one? He’s struggled to convert Sunday leads in recent tournaments. But his calm demeanor and sharp irons make him a sneaky threat if the putter cooperates.
Bryson DeChambeau: Power With Purpose
Once thought to be a questionable fit for Augusta, Bryson DeChambeau is slowly rewriting that narrative. He’s coming off a big win at the 2024 U.S. Open and seems more comfortable with his game than ever. DeChambeau has refined his power first approach and is blending aggression with a better understanding of when to throttle back.
His Achilles heel at Augusta has always been the greens. Despite his brute strength, the slick, sloping greens at Augusta have often left him puzzled. If he’s improved that part of his game — and early season signs suggest he has — he could be a real contender in this year’s event.
Ludvig Åberg: The Rising Star
One of the brightest young prospects in the game, Ludvig Åberg burst onto the scene with a 2nd place finish at the 2024 Masters in his debut. He followed that up with multiple high finishes throughout the season and is now one of the game’s next elite players.
Åberg has the whole package: length off the tee, elite irons and a mature on course presence. He’s still looking for his first major but few doubt it’s coming soon — could Augusta be the place?
Xander Schauffele: Steady but Streaky
Xander Schauffele is often mentioned as one of the most consistent players in majors, eventually getting his breakthrough in 2024 and winning the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. At Augusta he’s had several close calls — notably in 2019 when he finished one shot behind Tiger Woods. He had good results in 2024 but his putting has been spotty and a recent rib injury raises questions if he’ll be 100%. Still his all-around game and mental toughness make him a threat at Augusta.
Others to Watch
- Jordan Spieth: His record at Augusta is untouchable. Even with up and down form you can’t rule him out here.
- Patrick Cantlay: Quietly solid but hasn’t shown the killer instinct at Augusta yet.
- Viktor Hovland: Still looking for his first major. Has the game but needs a hot putter.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Masters feels like a perfect storm: the world No. 1 on form, legends chasing history and a bunch of young guns looking to make their mark. Augusta National always delivers drama and this year looks extra tasty.
Will Scheffler seal the deal? Can Rory finally get the Grand Slam? Or will a new face wear the Green Jacket?